Cruise Control

[billdad]

I have a 98 Windstar and my cruise control has quit working. When it first started erratic operation, I found I could sometimes pump the brake and it would come on. Now, it does not come on at all. Has anyone out there had this problem? I would appreciate some imput.

Thanks,
Bill

[wiswind]

VERY common cause of this is the brake pressure switch....which is located on the bottom of the master cylinder. It is easy to change.....remove the MAF / air filter....and the hose to the throttle body....and you will be able to get to it. I bought the replacement part for my '96 from the FORD dealer for just over $14. I also bought a bottle of brake fluid....as fluid will leak out. I minimized the leakage by having the new switch in my left hand while I unscrewed the old switch.....so as soon as I took the old one out...I put the new one in right away.

I posted pictures of the repair in my pictures (brake switch is on 2nd page)....at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Cruise control is also de-activated by the Brake On / Off (BOO) switch located inside the car...up under the dash.....on the brake pedal shaft.
However, if that is bad....your brake lights will stay on (if stuck closed)......or not come on at all (if stuck open)...also, if stuck open....you will not be able to shift out of "P" with the engine running....common cause,,,,wire breaking off the switch.
So....I would expect that the switch on the master cylinder is the most likely cause.

[billdad]

Originally Posted by wiswind

VERY common cause of this is the brake pressure switch....which is located on the bottom of the master cylinder. It is easy to change.....remove the MAF / air filter....and the hose to the throttle body....and you will be able to get to it. I bought the replacement part for my '96 from the FORD dealer for just over $14. I also bought a bottle of brake fluid....as fluid will leak out. I minimized the leakage by having the new switch in my left hand while I unscrewed the old switch.....so as soon as I took the old one out...I put the new one in right away.

I posted pictures of the repair in my pictures (brake switch is on 2nd page)....at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Cruise control is also de-activated by the Brake On / Off (BOO) switch located inside the car...up under the dash.....on the brake pedal shaft.
However, if that is bad....your brake lights will stay on (if stuck closed)......or not come on at all (if stuck open)...also, if stuck open....you will not be able to shift out of "P" with the engine running....common cause,,,,wire breaking off the switch.
So....I would expect that the switch on the master cylinder is the most likely cause.

Thanks a bunch! I swapped the switch and now I am a happy "Cruiser." Is this a great site or what. Thanks again.
Bill

[meandky]

Originally Posted by wiswind

VERY common cause of this is the brake pressure switch....which is located on the bottom of the master cylinder. It is easy to change.....remove the MAF / air filter....and the hose to the throttle body....and you will be able to get to it. I bought the replacement part for my '96 from the FORD dealer for just over $14. I also bought a bottle of brake fluid....as fluid will leak out. I minimized the leakage by having the new switch in my left hand while I unscrewed the old switch.....so as soon as I took the old one out...I put the new one in right away.

I posted pictures of the repair in my pictures (brake switch is on 2nd page)....at http://community.webshots.com/album/201931518cScpNK

Cruise control is also de-activated by the Brake On / Off (BOO) switch located inside the car...up under the dash.....on the brake pedal shaft.
However, if that is bad....your brake lights will stay on (if stuck closed)......or not come on at all (if stuck open)...also, if stuck open....you will not be able to shift out of "P" with the engine running....common cause,,,,wire breaking off the switch.
So....I would expect that the switch on the master cylinder is the most likely cause.

Hi,
Could the switch being bad also cause the ABS light to come on??
Thanks!